System for protecting a container

ABSTRACT

A system is proposed for protecting a drywall pan without interfering in its normal usage. The protection device may also extend the functionality of the drywall pan by incorporating holders for various tools normally used in conjunction with the pan or a lid that serves to protect the substances held within the container from contamination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a disposable liner for a type of container, known as a “drywall pan,” that adds functionality by providing holding devices for various tools and includes a cover that prevents drying, spillage, or contamination of the construction material contained in the pan, and which may be temporarily secured in the drywall pan by a fastening device.

2. Description of the Related Art

The concept of lining containers used in construction to increase their lifespan is generally well-known, though in some cases the use of such liners is not well-practiced, due to the comparatively low cost of containers. The cost of such containers, while small, is not negligible, and, in the case of certain containers, their ordinary use necessitates frequent replacement.

The drywall pan is particularly vulnerable to the contents it normally holds, as this “drywall mud” remains in workable, malleable form for a relatively short time—often between five and 30 minutes—after which it solidifies to the extent that it renders the pan unusable without a great deal of scraping or washing. The issue is further complicated in that the drywall pan itself is used as more than just a container: the edges are often employed as scraping devices to aid in the application of the construction material. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus that serves to protect the original drywall pan, while simultaneously allowing for normal usage of its ancillary features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention proposes a disposable liner to protect a container, in particular a drywall pan, from the effects of construction materials, while at the same time extending the functionality of the pan. The basic components comprise a lining surface that covers the inside of the drywall pan and a cover to prevent drying, spillage, or contamination of the construction materials held in the liner. The liner may be temporarily attached to the drywall pan using an included fastening device

In addition to these protective features, a holding apparatus may be included on the liner surface and/or on the cover to provide increased accessibility to frequently used tools, for example, utility knives and scraping edges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: a basic construction of the pan, liner, and lid.

FIG. 2: a potential method for attaching the liner to the drywall pan.

FIG. 3: a liner with a hingably attached cover.

FIG. 4: various configurations for scraping edges.

FIG. 5: various holders attached to the liner or its cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention serves several purposes, comprising the protection of the drywall pan, the preservation of the material within the drywall pan, and the extension of the usability of the pan itself in an ordinary construction setting. The present invention accomplishes the first purpose by its very nature—it is a disposable liner that completely covers the interior surface of the drywall pan. The inclusion of a cover serves to prevent drying, spillage, or contamination of the construction material. Both the shell and the cover may be modified to comprise holding devices for various tools often used along with the drywall pan, for example, a utility knife.

The liner (102) and the drywall pan (104) (FIG. 1) are of identical or near-identical geometry; such that the liner is designed such that it may be nested within the drywall pan. The liner may also be fitted with a cover (106) that is congruent to the open top of the container.

As in FIG. 2, the present invention may be secured to the drywall pan using a temporary fastener (108). Examples of these types of fastening devices include elastic cords, rubber cords, plastic or metal clips, plastic or metal hooks, or any combination of these.

The cover (106) of the drywall pan liner may either be separate, as in FIG. 1, or hingably attached to one of the edges of the liner (110), as in FIG. 3.

The present invention may contain one or more scraping edges, as shown in FIG. 4. These edges may either be integrated with the liner, for example as hardened plastic or metal extrusions (112), or separate edges may be temporarily attached, for example via specially designed grooves (114).

The present invention also serves to expand the usefulness of the drywall pan by allowing it to serve as a tool holder as well. As shown in FIG. 5, the liner surface is extended over the edge of the drywall pan and a tool holder attached to the external facing side (116). The cover may contain a tool holder as well (118) For example, the cover holder may contain the removable scraping edges shown in FIG. 4. 

1. A disposable lining apparatus for a container comprising: a liner configured to the dimensions of the container such that the liner substantially covers the inside of the container; wherein the container is a drywall pan.
 2. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a cover, configured to be congruent to the dimensions of the open top of the container.
 3. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a means for fastening the apparatus to the container.
 4. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover is separate from the liner.
 5. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover is hingably attached to the liner.
 6. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a scraping device along at least one edge of the liner.
 7. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a holder for a separate scraping apparatus.
 8. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the liner further comprises a holder.
 9. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a holder.
 10. A disposable lining apparatus for a container comprising: a bottom surface; a set of side walls attached to the bottom surface, wherein each wall is of equal height; wherein the container is a drywall pan.
 11. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the liner is quadrilateral in cross section and elevation.
 12. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the liner extends to cover a portion of the outside of the drywall pan
 13. A cover configured to be congruent to the dimensions of the open top of the container.
 14. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 10 further comprising a means for fastening the apparatus to the container.
 15. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the cover is separate from the liner.
 16. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the cover is hingably attached to the liner.
 17. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 10 further comprising a scraping device along a set of edges of the liner.
 18. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 10 further comprising a holder along a set of edges of the liner.
 19. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the liner further comprises a holder.
 20. A lining apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the cover further comprises a holder. 